Tyres slashed at Burnopfield tractor crash where teens needed aid

Police vehicle tyres were slashed at the scene of a tractor crash where two badly hurt teenage boys needed lifesaving first aid.

The children were injured when the tractor overturned at about 20:25 GMT on Sunday at a farm off the B6310 in Burnopfield, County Durham.

A 14-year-old was taken to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary with life-threatening injuries and a 13-year-old is being treated for serious injuries, Durham Constabulary said.

Road policing Insp Mick Todd said the damage to the patrol car was “shocking and unacceptable”.

He said: “This was a horrific incident which has left two boys with very serious injuries.

“Our thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time.”

Vandals targeted the vehicle while officers were taking statements after performing first aid on the children, the Durham roads and armed policing team said.

Insp Todd said: “Due to the damage, the officers and vehicle were taken off duty, meaning resources were stretched even further at one of the busiest times of the year.

“These officers were first on the scene of this collision and carried out lifesaving first aid.

“For anyone, this would have been traumatic, but the professionalism of our officers meant that they carried on and put the public first.”